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Expanded Dunlop Maxxed Out Awards Set for Oct. 31

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2007 -- It's not an open and "shutt" case that Baltimore's Ryan Shutt will win an expanded version of Dunlop's Maxxed Out Awards at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.

Still, Dunlop officials say, it's hard to ignore that last year's ultimate car tuner was the first three-time winner in its third annual prestigious Maxxed Out Awards. To find out whether Shutt can "four-peat," celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D will announce the expanded 4th annual awards at 11 a.m. Oct. 31 in Dunlop booth 41427 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The award categories now include: VIP-style sedans, import and domestic performance cars created for the street, race-prepped vehicles destined for competition, the perfect wheel and tire combination, and the most spectacular creation on Dunlop tires, the overall Maxxed Out award.

Shutt, 30, a dent removal technician, won last year's "Best Sport Compact" category with a 2007 "Forever Orange" Honda Fit with its exaggerated Polk Audio sound and interior gear. The bright orange car rode on 18-inch Dunlop Direzza DZ101 ultra-performance tires.

"We're looking for the ultimate in 'maxxed out' style and performance," said Gary Medalis, general manager for Dunlop Tires in North America. "Through these awards, Dunlop celebrates the artistry and all-out performance created by the people who personalize their vehicles to reflect their personalities and attitudes."

By adding new categories to the annual awards, "we're reinforcing our product focus on tuned vehicles, European sports sedans and competition cars," Medalis said. "Our new tires are for track days and for the street on everything from Lamborghinis to Audis. We want the awards to reflect that broader scope."

Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original-equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships.

For more on Dunlop performance, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/.